The Athletic Club “Nikšić” (AKN) has planned the “Ostroški Half Marathon” for Sunday, April 13, coinciding with local elections scheduled for that day. Registrations for the race opened last September.

This information was confirmed to “Vijesti” by the event’s technical director, Drago Music. When questioned about the timing of the half marathon coinciding with the elections and whether they had considered rescheduling due to requests from the opposition Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), he responded.

Additionally, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) informed “Vijesti” that the event has been duly reported to them, that they deemed it non-risky, and they would ensure its smooth operation while maintaining public order and tranquility.

Music stated that this upcoming half marathon is the eighth edition of the “race for the soul,” a yearly event held during the second week of April.

“How could we postpone it when the race is listed on the calendars of the Athletics Federation of Montenegro (ASCG), the Balkan Athletics Association (BAA), the European Athletics Association (EAA), and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)?” he questioned.

He emphasized that they possess a track certificate from the IAAF, for which they paid 3,000 euros, a requirement for the validity of their results.

“We didn’t enter the election period; rather, the elections encroached upon our schedule,” Music clarified.

He reported that registrations began in September, with over 50 percent of competitors signed up by New Year’s Day.

“The previous local elections in Nikšić were held on March 13, 2021. Thus, the ninth edition of the ‘race for the soul’ is slated for April 12, 2026,” he announced.

Only the initial segment of the race in the inner city

The scheduling of the “Ostroški Half Marathon” on the same day as local elections has raised concerns from the DPS. The leader of the party’s parliamentary group, Andrija Nikolić, stated during a press conference that the timing of the sports event was inappropriate, and he urged the Ministry of Interior not to approve it and to direct the organizers to find an alternative date.

In response to inquiries about the event’s approval and its potential risks on the election day, the Ministry of Internal Affairs indicated to “Vijesti” that the Nikšić police do not view the event as risky. They noted that only the initial part of the race, covering three to four kilometers, will occur in the inner city, while the remainder will take place on local roads such as Carev most – Pandurica – Ostrog.

The Athletic Club “Nikšić” reported the international “Ostroški Half Marathon 2025” to the Security Department in Nikšić on March 18th, marking its eighth occurrence.

“Historically, there have been no reported security challenges during these races that would jeopardize this year’s event,” stated the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Nikšić Security Department has respected legal regulations and did not issue a decision against the public event, acknowledging that the “Ostroški Half Marathon” is traditionally held in the second week of April.

“Police will implement measures and actions to ensure the athletics race runs smoothly and to maintain public order and peace. Officers in Nikšić will partially close streets in the inner city for no longer than 20 minutes and likewise restrict traffic along the remaining race route from the city to the Emperor’s Bridge for no more than 40 minutes,” they announced.

Approval from the Municipality received.

Musić confirmed that they secured the necessary permission from the Municipality of Nikšić’s Secretariat for Traffic and Communal Services, as well as from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and they compensated for security services.

So far, 516 competitors from 21 countries, including Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and others, have registered for the half marathon.

The names of all competitors are available on the “Ostroški Half Marathon” website, which states the race will commence at 10:55 AM in front of the church of St. Basil of Ostrog in Nikšić and conclude at the Ostrog Monastery.

Tensions are escalating in Nikšić ahead of the elections, highlighted by incidents at the rally of the “For the Future of Nikšić” coalition, where the mayor of Trebinje’s official vehicle was reportedly struck by a stone during an event attended by Mirko Ćurić.

“In addition to that vehicle, two others with Bosnian license plates and one with Zeta plates were also hit,” an unofficial source from the Police Directorate informed Vijesti.

Moreover, that evening, two vehicles bearing Bosnian license plates suffered fire damage on Šaka Petrović Square in Nikšić, likely due to a Molotov cocktail, although the Ministry of the Interior is yet to determine the cause.

“Hunting for Serbs”, Milović, Baćović, Bojović…

The leader of the “For the Future of Nikšić” list, Marko Kovacevic, alleged at a press conference that the fugitive police officer Ljubo Milović was implicated in a police drug cartel scheme, “paying individuals to create unrest in Nikšić,” while Milan Knezevic, leader of the Democratic People’s Party (DNP), claimed that “the hunt for Serbs from Herzegovina, Nikšić, and Zeta has commenced.”

“This situation started after Andrija Nikolić presented a purported list of ‘double voters’ registered both in Nikšić and Republika Srpska,” Knežević alleged, referring to the list submitted by Nikolić to the Ministry of Internal Affairs on Tuesday.

The leader of New Serbian Democracy and President of the Assembly, Andrija Mandic, call for police and authorities to address the incidents in Nikšić promptly.

“Crime will not cease if Kovačević’s list appears stronger than theirs. We recognize Nikšić as a significant challenge for our security services. We have received reports indicating that the same individual who previously planned to incite car fires is currently doing so,” he asserted.

Trebinje leader Ćurić mentioned during a press conference that the Nikšić incidents portray a negative image, attributing them partially to political rhetoric. He acknowledged receiving reports about potential electoral abuse involving voters from Republika Srpska and noted the damage to various vehicles, including acts of arson.

Journalists queried why Trebinje’s official vehicle was present at the political rally, seeking clarity on Ćurić’s connection with Kovačević, to which he refrained from providing specifics, stating their interactions have been consistent and he feels no shame in that.

“These are our brothers. It’s like being invited to a godfather’s wedding, and naturally, Mr. Kovačević’s involvement in prior rallies held in Trebinje is well-known. Our collaboration is strong and transparent,” Ćurić concluded.

The DPS condemned the former “DF (Democratic Front)” for allegedly damaging their vehicles in an attempt to fabricate a narrative about a so-called ‘hunt for Serbs.’

“We will not tolerate unfounded accusations from those tied to crime. Boban Bacovic and others associated with Luka Bojović are attempting to shape the political landscape in Podgorica under the guise of organized crime. However, on April 13th, neither deceitful claims of a ‘hunt for Serbs’ nor orchestrated incidents will shield them from a decisive defeat rendered by the electorate,” the DPS statement concluded.

Increased police presence in Nikšić

The Police Directorate announced plans to bolster officer presence in Nikšić, including members of the Special Police Unit (PJP), to ensure citizen safety and public order stability.

The institution reported that local police are working alongside the prosecutor’s office to identify individuals responsible for vehicle damages at the recent political rally.

The police urged citizens to refrain from any violent or unlawful activities.

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